The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held its virtual recognition and thanksgiving for the graduating class of 2020-2021, and 2019 on 18 December 2021, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 NN via Zoom.
Asst. Prof. Emely Amoloza served as the program’s host.
The ceremony was hosted by Asst. Prof. Emely Amoloza and the invocation was graced by Fr. Rojohn Ramirez, a current Doctor of Communication (DComm) student of UPOU.
Dr. Alexander G. Flor, Dean of the FICS, welcomed the graduates, officials, and faculty members with informative welcome remarks. Dr. Flor cheered the graduating class with his Information and Communication Manifesto, leaving an important reminder that, “it is what we stand for that our students and graduates strive for.”
An inspirational message was also given by Mr. Alnard Alejandro U. Pagulayan, Master of Development Communication (MDC)- FICS Top Graduate of Class 2020. He shared that he asked himself the question, “What Now?” multiple times when he was already nearing graduation. Mr. Pagulayan shared that his MDC training helped him to think about how people would be able to achieve success adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said that communicating to the audience is critical and essential to let them know that they are not alone in the struggle. He also shared that a sense of service is synonymous to love for country; that lifelong learning can be more fulfilling and satisfying. He encouraged his fellow graduates to be instruments of compassion, service, and love for the country.
The recognition program honored all UPOU FICS graduates through a roll call and presentation of the top graduates.
Newly conferred Doctor of Communication, Dr. Lorena R. Bañares, the 2021 top graduate, gave the message from the graduation class and shared that her stay in UPOU helped her reach her full potential towards research-creation. She also shared that Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, one of her professors, inspired her to become a better student and be successful in her chosen program by empowering her with the freedom to think, lean on theories, paradigms, and solutions pertinent to her field of study.
The program was never without its tradition. Each of the FICS Faculty Members gave heartfelt celebratory messages to the graduates, including Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Dr. Joane Serrano, Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli Crisanto, Dr. Diego Maranan, and Dr. Ria Borromeo. One of the highlights of this tradition was the most anticipated annual poetry delivery by Dr. Benjamina Paula G. Flor, MDC Program Chair, for the graduates.
Dean Alexander G. Flor led the the Virtual Toast to the Graduates.
The program was capped by another FICS tradition, the Virtual Toast to the Graduates, led by Dean Alexander G. Flor; and ended by the singing of the UP Hymn, UP Naming Mahal.
Written by Alessa Shainne Hostalero
Edited by Joane V. Serrano and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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